THE family of Karen Buckley last night spoke of their anguish after police confirmed human remains found at a farm were those of the student.

Alexander Pacteau, 21, was arrested in connection with Ms Buckley’s death and is due to appear in court today.

The developments came after the search for the 24-year-old, who disappeared at the weekend, moved to High Craigton Farm at Milngavie, Dunbartonshire, north of Glasgow.

On Wednesday night police and fire service vehicles swooped on the property, five and half miles from where Karen, from Co Cork in Ireland, was last seen.

Her father John, 62, who earlier appealed for his only daughter’s safe return, said the family was “absolutely heartbroken” at learning her body had been found.

Karen was our only daughter, cherished by her family and loved by her friends. She was an outgoing girl who travelled the world, where she met lots of people and thoroughly enjoyed her life. We will miss her terribly

John and Marian Buckley

Police Scotland divers yesterday searched the Forth and Clyde Canal near Dawsholm Park in Kelvindale, Glasgow, where Karen’s handbag was discovered on Tuesday.

Forensic officers also continued to comb a flat which has been the centre of a massive search.

Earlier this week, Mr Buckley and wife Marian, 61, flew to Glasgow to appeal for help in finding their youngest child.

In a statement read on his behalf by Detective Superintendent Jim Kerr, he said: “Marian and I, together with our sons Brendan, Kieran, and Damian, are absolutely heartbroken.

“Karen was our only daughter, cherished by her family and loved by her friends. She was an outgoing girl who travelled the world, where she met lots of people and thoroughly enjoyed her life. We will miss her terribly.”

Ms Buckley was last seen in the early hours of Sunday morning during a night out in Glasgow.

She left the Sanctuary nightclub without her friends.

At around 1am she told them she was going to the toilet but failed to return and left her jacket behind.

She was seen leaving on CCTV. Her friends said she had a few drinks, but was not drunk.

PA

Human remains found in a field were confirmed to be those of Karen

Ms Buckley had begun an occupational therapy degree course at Glasgow Caledonian University in February. She was previously a nurse at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex.

Police said she had travelled widely and knew how to take care of herself.

Prior to the discovery of her body, dozens of officers began a search of a country lane between Bearsden, near Glasgow, and Drymen, Stirlingshire, and cordoned off the road to High Craigton Farm. Det Supt Kerr confirmed the remains found belonged to Ms Buckley.

He added: “We cannot imagine the pain and suffering of Karen’s family and friends and all our thoughts are with them at this very sad and distressing time. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the public and the communities both here and in Ireland for their significant assistance during this investigation.It was very, very helpful.”

Pacteau, a company director, is expected to be charged with Ms Buckley’s death at a hearing at Glasgow Sheriff Court today. Hundreds of people have attended a mass at a church close to the Buckley family home in Mallow and Irish foreign minister Charlie Flanagan said: “All of our thoughts and prayers are with Karen’s parents, John and Marian, and with all of her family and friends at this tragic time.”

A candle and photograph of Ms Buckley were left at the reception to the health sciences building where she studied at the University of Limerick.

A fundraising page set up by Ms Buckley’s former classmates to cover her family’s expenses in Scotland had last night raised almost £50,000.

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) said everyone there was “deeply saddened” by the events.

It added: “Our thoughts are with Karen’s family, friends and classmates at this very difficult time. GCU’s student support service, our academic staff and the advice centre at the Student’s Association are available to any students who need support.”

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